The Long Con: A Fake-It-'Til-You-Make-It Guide to Your Best Home Ever, Eventually

You know those effortless people whose homes are layered and lovely, casual and classy and full of where-did-they-find-that things that seem slightly out of reach? Guess what? They're faking it (at least at first)! Everyone has moments while figuring out what to do with their homes when they feel (a little) like a fraud. Successful decorators soldier on anyway. Here's what they do that you can do, too.

They shop their travels

The trick to getting a one-of-a-kind piece? Get it abroad! If you're using your passport, you should always be on the lookout for a unique souvenir that you can display in your home. Two birds, one stone. You're welcome.

They make one big statement

If you're short on cash, spend on something BIG. Going all in on art is so easy and, FYI, it doesn't even have to be expensive. Look at John & Erin's horse art: no frame, no fuss, just big art that you really remember.

They display collections

A collection is like a little clue about the person who lives there. Displaying them serves to make your space personable, relatable and just more interesting. It doesn't have to be a big thing. Shelley just set her cool cameras out on a shelf to show them off.

They add nature

An element of nature makes any room feel fresher (and that whole oxygen/carbon dioxide thing doesn't hurt). Visually, it adds a colorful, textural element that works with whatever you already have going on. If you're a plant killer, cut flowers go a long way or a basic vase of branches is great. No excuses.

They're not afraid to get weird

Turtles on the wall? Unusual, but you know what? It works for Chris and Jenny. If you have something that you think would look good on your wall but you've never seen anything like it? That's GREAT. You be you. Showing off your weirdness says to people, "I'm awesome and I don't care what you think." Even if you...ummm...totally DO.

Before you know it, you will have a home that other people are jealous of and you won't be conning anyone, anymore.